Why is LeBron James' jersey number 6?: All you need to know about his inspiration

LeBron James' jersey is one of the best-selling jerseys in the world across any professional sport. The four-time NBA champion has had the eyes of the sports world on him since before he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers twenty years ago. When he was in high school, James wore number 23. This was something he carried with him when he was drafted first overall by the Cavaliers in 2003.

After spending seven seasons with the Cavaliers, James shockingly announced his decision to unite with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat. With all the chaos and controversy surrounding the decision, the fact that James would have to change his number flew under the radar initially.

When he joined the Heat, he was forced to change numbers. In 2003, when Michael Jordan played his final game against the Miami Heat, Pat Riley revealed that the franchise was retiring Jordan's number 23. He explained at the time, when he addressed the crowd:

“In honor of your greatness and for all you’ve done for the game of basketball – and not just the NBA, but for all the fans around the world – we want to honor you tonight and hang your jersey, No. 23, from the rafters. No one will ever wear No. 23 for the Miami Heat. You’re the best.”

Above, you can see footage of Riley addressing the crowd before Jordan's final game against the Heat.

LeBron James' jersey number with Miami

As a result of Jordan's number 23 being retired by the Heat, LeBron James had to pick another jersey number. It was then that he changed his number to 6, marking a new era in the NBA. As the 'bad guy' of the early 2010s, LeBron James' new jersey quickly became one of the league's best sellers. Years later, when he made the move back to Cleveland, James, once again, switched back to 23.

Boston Celtics v Miami Heat

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After winning a championship with the Cavs and signing with the Lakers, there was much speculation as to whether or not James would continue to wear the number 23. After three seasons of wearing number 23 with the Lakers, James then switched to number 6. At the time, he was asked about the change, to which he replied:

“It’s always been a part of me, to be honest. Six has a lot of meaning to me, from my family and numbers and things of that nature to what I believe in and things of that sort, but my mentality doesn’t change.”

After Bill Russell's death and the NBA retiring his number league-wide, there was speculation that James could go back to number 23. Despite that, it was then revealed that players like James who already wear number six will not be forced to change.

Above, you can see footage of LeBron James explaining why he wears the number six after going back to his old number with the Lakers.

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